Kiefel increases automotive business in the US

In order to increase machinery maker Kiefel’s automotive business in the US, the Brueckner Group USA has acquired the business of Paragon Molds Corporation.

Established in 1973, Paragon is a partner of many well-known suppliers to the US automotive industry with headquarters in Fraser, Michigan. It has 33 employees and develops and manufactures tools for the production of automotive interior components such as door panels, instrument panels, and centre consoles using a lamination process, as well as tools for foamed and back-foamed components.

Brueckner Group USA and Kiefel belong to the Germany-based Brückner Group.

“This acquisition expands our North American capabilities and footprint allowing us to better serve our customers,” said Brueckner Group USA’s President Steven D. Hoenig. “With the addition of Paragon’s locally manufactured tools and support, the Kiefel division of Brueckner Group USA will be able to offer a complete manufacturing solution for the important North American market.”

“In 2016 the Automotive Technology Centre in Livonia, Michigan, was put into operation. Besides laboratory facilities for laminating and punching there is also a milling robot cell and the equipment for prototype and pre-series products at our customers’ disposal,” added Kiefel’s CEO Thomas J. Halletz.

David M. Smoger and Daniel V. Smoger, former owners of Paragon will take on the roles of Vice President, Operations and Vice President, Tooling, of the Kiefel Automotive Division of Brueckner Group USA and will be responsible for all Kiefel Automotive activities for the NAFTA market.